There is nothing I can do. I am sorry.

The satisfying crunch of her bones snapping underneath her skin as it came in contact with the leather bag brought her back to reality, her thoughts of Lucien's last words disappearing in her mind. The heat from her sweat stuck to her body, her eyes looking down at her knuckles that were crimson with blood dripping down her hand.

Venix sighed, pushing her wet hair aside as she concentrated her sight on the punching bag again. The muscles in her body flexed in pain, teeth nipping at the raw skin of her lips as the leather bag in front of her swung back.

Blood rushed to her cheeks, feeling the anger in her soul simmer in abrupt white spark as she dodged the leatherback just as it swung back to her, bracing her hand on her knee.

I need you to understand.

She scoffed as she punched the bag again, pushing it back as she braced for the impact. It came at full speed, meeting the swing of her arm as she knocked it back, her bones snapping under the pressure. The chain of the leather bag unhinged and it fell to the floor in a defeated heap, the beans inside spilling to the floor.

She would never understand

"Calm down, assassin. "

Onyx's mocking voice met her ears and she turned around to see her friend approach her, a bucket of cold water in her hands.

"One more punch and the ceiling will come crashing down," she said with light laughter.

Venix mustered a smile, smoothing down the hairs from her ponytail as she took the bucket, splashing the cold water on her face.

"Just getting my anger out," she said, closing her eyes as she loosened her ponytail, letting her hair hit the slick sweat of her back.

Another laugh came from Onyx and the BloodBone turned around to see her friend dip a rag into the bucket, coming around to wipe the blood off her hands and face.

Training had been brutal today, especially since Rheynoak took over half the sessions. While it wasn't as unbearable as the mind exercises they had practiced the other day, the pain in her muscles, when she rotated her arms, was proof enough to the BloodBone that she had pushed herself too hard.

For the last two parts of training, Lucien had trained and she could vaguely remember the feeling of repulsion she felt every time she held eye contact with him. His eyes always strayed away from hers and the cheek where she had slapped him had swollen into an irritated swell, the cut of her ring slowly healing.

The tense feeling that had been building in Venix's body tightened when she felt his presence near her, every instinct in her body holding her tight until he walked away.

That's how it went for the rest of the training. Awkward glances and concentrated gazes until training ended. Still, even as the last few walked out, Lucien had allowed the two friends to stay behind and practice more.

Looking down at the bucket of water in her hands, Venix raised it and poured it over her head, shivering at the instant relief it brought her. She sighed as she set the bucket down, squeezing the remaining water from her hair.

"Thank you" she whispered, rubbing her aching shoulder. Onyx hummed in response, eyeing her friend with solemn eyes.

"Training wasn't as bad today," Onyx said, trying to distract her friend and bring her back into reality. "At least Lucien taught the last two classes and not Rheynoak. That would have been hell."

Lucien. Lucien Northorn.

Hearing his name brought back the pain all over again. How could he have just stood there, mindlessly apologizing and not striving to do any better to protect her friend? How could he say all these things that made her heart jump but turn around and betray her friend by siding with Rheynoak?

She sighed, looking down at her bruised knuckles.

She shouldn't have slapped him.

Usually, she was much more rational but with him, everything barely made sense. It all blended into one mess where she could see nothing but a red, brooding storm and before she knew it, her hand had already connected with his face.

"Lucky us. My fingers are ready to fall off" she added in a less than enthusiastic voice.

"Okay, what's wrong?" Onyx asked her with a questioning tone. "You have been distracted all day. It's not like you. What is going on?"

Venix sighed and bit her lip, looking up at the heavy ropes of the training room.

"Can I ask you a question?" the BloodBone Witch asked, pushing aside her concerns and questions aside.

She needed her friend right now. She needed her to answer the one question she couldn't answer herself.

"Of course you can," Onyx said, resting her body against the wall. She pinned her dark hair back into a short updo, brushing the stray hairs aside.

"Would you sacrifice your life for someone you barely knew? Even if it meant death on your part?"

She turned to meet Onyx's face which was masked into confusion, her brows furrowed and her head cocked to the side to examine her face properly. She frowned slightly, eyes narrowing but her brows were raised in surprise as she sighed and relaxed back.

"Why?" she asked.

"Please. Just answer" Venix pleaded in a breathy whisper.

The silence was thick and deadly as she watched her friend ponder on the answer, her eyes telling her everything she needed to know from the way Onyx kept avoiding her gaze on the floor.

Finally, when too much time passed by, she answered, "Yes, I would. If it meant saving someone else, I would be willing to do so. I think once you are gifted with powers like ours, there is very little we can do to save ourselves but if we can use what we've been given to make someone's life better or give them a second chance, then it is worth it to sacrifice ourselves for the sanity of others. Our ancestral spirits made us this way for a reason."

"But you barely know the person" Venix objected.

Onyx shrugged. "It doesn't matter to me."

Venix hissed at the words, needing her chest as if she had been struck by a dagger. She could feel her blood grow hot and her fingers shake as she took in a shaky breath. It was the answer she had dreaded, knowing her friend's death would be hanging over her head if she chose to complete Rheynoak's mission.

However, it was the answer she expected. That's who Onyx was. She always put others before herself and would die just to keep everyone else safe.

But she was nowhere like her Siphon friend. She was selfish and rude. She begged, itched for a sense of familiarity. She would hang too many people by their heads if it meant keeping her friend alive.

She didn't give a damn about anybody else.

The sound of the door opening broke through her thoughts and she looked up to see a tall figure standing by the rope. They wore all black, white hair pulled into a loose bun.

She looked away.

"Rheynoak requests your presence, Onyx. It's urgent" Lucien informed, hands in his pocket. Venix could feel his eyes on her as Onyx sighed, turning to her friend.

"We'll continue this conversation later. Promise" she reassured, patting her hand. She smiled before getting up from the floor, squeezing the sweat from her shirt onto the floor. Venix watched her walk away, heart pounding as Onyx greeted Lucien with a smile, walking in the direction he was leading her towards.

With each step she took, Venix silently prayed that she would turn back and come back to her.

But each step back would only feel like a sword to both of their throat and she knew the feeling all too well to risk Onyx's life.

"Onyx wait!" Venix pushed herself off the floor and ran to her friend, grabbing her by the wrist before she could open the door. Onyx turned around, her brows raised in shock as attempted to shake her hand free but Venix only tightened her grip.

Before Onyx could question her, Venix spoke. "I know you're selfless and would risk your life to protect anyone but I am not. I'm selfish and you're the only family I have left so please, promise me you will always make it back with each mission you complete. I can't lose you too."

"Venix, I've been on missions before. I always come back safe. What is the meaning of this?" she asked, wiping the tears that fell down her face. The witch sighed, wiping away a tear as she shook her head.

"We need to go, Onyx" Lucien insisted but she shot him a glare, slapping his hand away as he attempted to turn Onyx around.

"Just give us a moment" she pleaded, turning back to her friend.

Onyx sighed, her eyes shifting between the two, confusion clouding her eyes.

"Venix" she started, rubbing her friend's arm but she brushed it away, shaking her head.

"Just promise me" the witch whispered, her voice breaking on the last word. "Please."

A quick silence passed between them before Onyx nodded, cupping her face.

"I promise. I'll always find my way back to you" she said before pulling her into a hug. The witch sighed and nodded, taking in her embrace for the last time before she let go.

But it was over too soon and Onyx let her go, leaving with Lucien, the door locking behind her. 

The door to Rheynoak's office was open when Lucien led Onyx through the crack. Ember flames lit the dark walls, the smell of burning wood greeting her.

In the middle of the room stood Rheynoak, his brooding figure enjoying a glass of gold liquor. The shadows exaggerated his height and the flames gave his eyes the depth they lacked in the daytime.

When the door clicked into place, Lucien moved to his usual place, standing three feet away from Rheynoak as the tribe leader turned around.

"Onyx. Lovely to make your acquaintance" he greeted in a soft voice. She scoffed, shaking her head at his sweet, fake demeanor.

"What do you want?" she demanded in a sarcastic voice, crossing her arms over her sweaty chest. She wiped the sweat away from her arm, fanning herself with the neck of her shirt.

"Always eager" he cooed, tucking his hands around his back as he paced towards her.

He wore a sly smile on his lips as he finished the liquor, setting the glass down on his desk. He stalked towards her, eyeing her with a teasing gaze. A dark chuckle came from his lips, ducking his head low.

Onyx furrowed her brows at him, turning to Lucien with narrowed eyes. He didn't give her any hint, only dodging her glare, busying himself with the bead bracelet around his wrist. He turned to the table, grabbed a glass, and poured some liquor for himself.

An uncomfortable shifting emotion twisted in her stomach.

"Now I am getting concerned. What's going on?" she pressed, raising her brows.

"Patience Onyx" Rheynoakadviced, waving a hand at her. "You will now have the opportunity to do yourself away because I have a very special mission for you."

"Mission?" she question, pressing her lips together. She narrowed her eyes at him, humming in response.

"What is this mission per say?" Onyx asked, raising her brows. "Can't get another follower in your bed to do all the work while you just lay there?"

The tribe leader frowned at her, clicking his tongue together. Beside him, she could see the hint of a smile on Lucien's lips as he finished his drink.

"I should kill you for that" he threatened, cracking his knuckles in between her words. "The witches can do that themselves when I ship you off to the Kingdom Of Serius."

Onyx's smirk fell, her heart stopping as she absorbed his last few words.

The Kingdom of Serius? Was he that adamant about killing her?

Swallowing down the lump that had formed in her throat, she weakly asked, "And what business would I there?"

The tribe leader smirked, shrugging his shoulders as he casually replied, "Just finding and bringing back a Mind Siphon who has been exposing herself as a threat."

"Mind Siphon?" This time Onyx laughed, throwing her head back in amusement. "How much Trojan wine have you drank? Mind Siphons are no longer around. I'm the last one standing" she explained, feeling rather entitled to her place.

"There seems to be a new siphon who goes by the name Alesandria Erovex. She is rumored to be a Mind Siphon and I would like to have this issue resolved before the other tribe leaders put their hands in this issue" he said, reaching behind him for another bottle of wine.

He poured himself another glass, walking over to her as he walked around her in circles. He stopped behind her, whispering in her ear, "But she can also be very useful. Perhaps a new friend for you, hmm? You won't be so alone."

The smell of alcohol on his breath was heavy as he pulled away from her, taking a sip from the glass. "Your mission is to go to the kingdom and finish what Lucien couldn't."

He gestured towards his right-hand man who looked away, facing the dying embers of the fireplace. "Bring her back to me."

"And what if she refuses to come with me? Although I wouldn't blame her" she spat, turning her body over to side-eye him.

Rheynoak's eyes seemed to flash, his mouth curling into a wicked smile.

"Then kill her" he uttered in her ear. "One more body to throw away.

A chill ran down her spine as she looked at him, watched with intense eyes as the tribe leaders returned to his desk, leaning against it. She felt her body shake at his vile words, knots forming in her stomach.

To kill a king is one business but to kill someone unfortunately cursed with powers she never asked for?

That seemed cruel.

"You're sick" she hissed, shaking her head. "And while I enjoy traveling outside the gates, this seems unfair. Let the girl live. She probably doesn't want to be found and I wouldn't blame her."

She shook her head, frowning. "Find someone else to complete your mission. I won't do it."

Lucien whipped his head around in surprise, Rheynoak humming in surprise as he raised his brow. "You won't?" he asked, cocking his head to the side as if to confirm he heard her words correctly.

Onyx nodded. "I won't. This seems exceptionally cruel, even for you" she said. "Leave the girl alone. She doesn't want to be found. Find someone else."

"No worries," Rheynoak said, gnawing at his lips. He folded his fingers together, raising a brow. "Perhaps that witch friend of yours will gladly sacrifice her life in place of yours. An easy disposal for me anyway."

"What?!" Lucien's voice objected, his mouth agape as he stared at Rheynoak.

The tribe leader glared at him, resting a hand on his hip where she could see the glint of a dagger strapped to his hip.

She watched as Lucien sighed, looking down at his cup before looking away.

"You wouldn't dare touch her! I won't let you!" Onyx protested, shaking her words. She thought back to Venix's words in the training room. Her strange demeanor and the pressing questions she had asked.

She had known. She had known what would happen if Onyx followed Lucien through those doors. She had known and had tried to stop her and against her better judgment, Onyx had brushed her concerns away.

Even thinking about it now, her heart sank to the pits of her stomach, realizing all too late what she should have done.

"You have no say" Rheynoak reminded her. He swirled the wine in his coup, eyes stuck on her. "I'll grab that overgrown wretched BloodBone myself and snap her in half. I'll bleed her out to dry and skin her alive if I have to. She'll be begging for death by the time I'm done with her."

A small gasp left her lips, her blood boiling underneath her skin as she took a step back, swallowing hard. From the corner of her eyes, she saw the alertness in Lucien's eyes, the way his head snapped up as soon as those words left his friend's lips.

Rheynoak smiled, shrugging his shoulders. "So what will it be, Onyx? You or Venix?"His tone was taunting, cold as he awaited her answer.

Onyx whimpered, biting her lip as she looked into his eyes, searching for something, anything that resembled an ounce of sympathy. But in the ember light, she saw nothing but darkness and an unwavering expression of contentment with himself.

Rheynoak meant business. And knowing him, he always went through with his promises.

Onyx sighed heavily, considering her options in front of her.

She didn't want to go. If she were that desperate to die, she would have done the deed herself a long time ago.

But if she disagreed, she would lose the one family she had and the one person who cared about her more than anything else.

She would lose her soul.

There was no questioning her answer now, not even as she took a deep breath and sighed, letting her eyes reluctantly meet the victorious glare of Rheynoak.

She stepped up to meet his tall stature, cocking her head up so she could stare him in the eyes.

"As long as you do not lay a finger on Venix" she warned through locked teeth, drawing her brows together.

She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose before hesitantly nodding her head, meeting his eyes once again.

This time he smiled down at her, leaning forward to hear the words he needed to confirm everything he had planned.

"Fine. I'll complete your mission."

And that is the end of another chapter! Dun...Dun..Dun.....

The suspense, the chills, the tension, Rheynoak, Lucien...my poor, faint heart. *swoons*

I really loved this chapter. The way Onyx and Rheynoak interacted as compared to Venix and Lucien and how Venix's words came as a warning as Onyx was making her final decision.Good stuff!

See what I did there? Huh?..Huh?

Tell me what you guys think of this chapter and don't forget to give it a vote if you liked it! Until Next time Lovelies!

With Love, May